News Investigators/ The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Ignatius Kaigama, has called for religious tolerance among religious groups in Nigeria.
Most Rev., Kaigama made the call during the 25 years Priestly Celebration of the Auxiliary Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Ernest Obodo, held at St. Mary Catholic Church, Udi Council Area of Enugu State on Saturday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the celebration began with Holy Mass officiated by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha, His Grace, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke.
In his homily, Kaigama decried what he described as ‘very severe’, the existence of religious intolerance in the country, warning that, “if we do not get rid of it, we shall continue to make three steps forward and five steps backward.
“Professor Chinua Achebe did identify the problems of Nigeria as bad leadership, corruption, and tribalism, and I wish to add religious intolerance and fanaticism.
He expressed the need for more solidarity of the Catholic Church in Eastern Nigeria with the Church in Northern Nigeria in view of the present socio-economic, cultural and religious circumstances in the world.
The clergyman equally called on those in political leadership to ensure that the resources of the nation were equitably distributed and also to ensure a fair representation in government.
He advised them not to let any section of the nation become marginalised for whatever reason but to ensure honesty, transparency, and accountability in the leadership of the country.
“My village was once captured, destroyed, and our chief was subordinated to the religious leaders. Since then, it was only some three years ago that we received government response.
“Nigerians expects from political leaders a corporal work of mercy to feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty, care for the sick and wounded, educate the school children, care for prisoners and the poor.
“Build and maintain the roads, keep our schools and hospitals open, and not only when there are casualties, then we rush to open them and be concerned,” he stressed.
The Archbishop added that while we demand good governance from those voted in authority, we demand equally a changing mentality on the part of those Nigerians who saw government resources as available to be used with reckless abandonment.
To the celebrant and his class of 2000, Kaigama said, “25 years ago, they answered the Lord’s call to serve the church as shepherds of God’s people.
“Today we give thanks to God for the gift of their vocation, perseverance in ministry, and for the grace that has sustained them through joys and trials alike,” he said.
In his remark, Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State, described Obodo as an embodiment of initiatives geared towards lifting people out of poverty through his agricultural project.
“So I want to join your well-wishers and indeed your congregation here to congratulate and to celebrate with you. There is something that you represent, which I would also love that we continue to imbibe, that is, the true spirit of service.
“But your humility is also something very disarming,” Mbah said.
Commending the participants, Obodo announced that 33 bishops all over Nigeria attended the event, saying that 20 of them were present while 13 were represented.
He thanked God for sparing 10 of them who were ordained priest in 2000, disclosing that, “10 of us are healthy and hearty today and we give gratitude to God”.
NAN reports many priests, laity, traditional rulers and government officials graced the celebration.
NAN
